The National Young Mathematicians’ Awards Return

Can your school make it to the Grand Final at the University of Cambridge?

Primary schools from across the UK are invited to put forward their four brightest mathematical minds as Explore Learning’s National Young Mathematicians’ Awards has returned! This year is set to be bigger than ever as TV presenter, author and broadcaster Stefan Gates has become the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards Ambassador.

New research from tuition provider Explore Leaning has revealed that many adults are also numeracy enthusiasts. The nation’s ‘maths phobia’ is in decline with only 18% of parents surveyed saying they found maths intimidating. Almost a quarter went as far as to declare their love for the subject (24%)!

Explore Learning has joined forces with the highly prestigious NRICH Project at the University of Cambridge for a seventh year. Explore Learning is looking for children who love a challenge, are great at working in a team and are able to think and work systematically to come to a joint solution.

A third of parents (30%) believe maths is very important for children later in life and their career. This will resonate with the UK’s best young brains as the grand final will be hosted at the world renowned University of Cambridge, allowing them to showcase their talent and mix with the country’s leading mathematicians.

It is totally free to enter and the competition consists of three rounds. Firstly teams will be invited to an Explore Learning Centre on the 8th, 9th or 10th of November to compete in the first knock out round. The victors will then go through to the semi-final on the 23rd November when the highest scoring schools will battle it out for a place at the grand final on 7th December.

The winning team last year was four exceptional youngsters from Badger Hill Primary School in York, who reigned victorious over teams from all over the UK. Those successful in this year’s competition will be presented their trophy by popular children’s author Stefan Gates!

Stefan has made sixteen TV series and is an author of six books including ‘Gastronaut’ and ‘Incredible Edibles’. He is an advocate of the importance of maths, as discussed in his BBC show ‘Ecomaths’ where he shows how maths is used in the real world to help create a sustainable future.

Stefan Gates says: “I’m delighted to be teaming up with Explore Learning for this year’s National Young Mathematicians’ Awards. I am so excited to see some of the nation’s best young minds at work. To be brilliant at maths is an invaluable skill and this competition is a fantastic way of encouraging more children to develop those skills and enjoy their talent.”

Charlotte Gater, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning says: “The response to this competition continues to grow every year. It's always a pleasure to see the ingenious ways the children are able to find solutions to the problems we give them. Almost nine in ten (88%) parents said they want their child to be more confident in their maths skills. This is what the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards are all about. Stretching and inspiring the minds of the brightest students allowing them to explore their potential and flourish beyond the classroom!”

Last year 490 schools participated in the competition with the top five making it to the Grand Final at the University of Cambridge. The finalists were Thatcham Park Primary School in Reading, St Christopher’s in Luton, Hurst Primary School in Sidcup and North Ealing Primary School in West London as well as the winners from Badger Hill Primary School in York.